Lightning re-signs Ryan Craig, signs Niskala

As expected, the Lightning announced the signing of center Ryan Craig to a two year deal that pays $1.575-million ($775,000 next season and $800,000 in 2009). Defenseman Janne Niskala, acquired from the Flyers for a 2009 sixth-round pick, was signed to a one-year, $600,000 deal. The Lightning has an option to re-assign him to Europe if he does not make the big club.

Craig is trying to make a comeback after back and knee injuries shelved him for all but seven games last season. A force in front of the net, Craig likely will be fighting for a fourth-line gig and a place on the power play.

For those who don't know Niskala, here is some background from the Lightning's announcement:

Niskala, 26, was acquired by Philadelphia last week from Nashville for forward Triston Grant and a seventh-round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. The 6-foot, 200-pound native of Vasteras, Sweden recorded 19 goals, 44 points and 81 penalty minutes in 80 regular season games for the Predators’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, this past season. He led Admirals defensemen in goals (19, second among AHL defensemen) and points (44, tied for 11th among AHL defensemen). Though born in Sweden, Niskala is a Finnish citizen and was the leading scorer among defensemen for bronze medal-winning Team Finland at the 2008 IIHF World Championships.

Prior to joining the Predators organization for the 2007-08 season, Niskala played parts of the previous seven seasons with teams in top European Leagues, including Lukko Rauma (Finland - 2000-01 through 2004-05), EV Zug (Swiss - 2005-06) and Farjestad (Sweden - 2006-07). He registered 72 goals and 92 assists for 164 points and 369 penalty minutes in 296 regular season games during his final six seasons in Europe (2001-02 through 2006-07). He has led his teams’ defensemen in goals in each of his past five seasons. He led Swedish Elite League defensemen in points with 49 (19-30) in 2006-07. Niskala was drafted by Nashville in the fifth round (147th overall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.